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Fracking (1)

26 October 2018

Fracking is the process of drilling inside the earth, and injecting a high pressure water mixture into the rocks to release the gas inside. During this process water, sand and chemicals are injected into the rock at high pressure which allows the company to extract gases and resources to use as alternative energy resources.

Many members of parliament have given their support to this alternative energy supply, but with 91% of young adults looking to purchase a home in the next 5 years, could this alternative energy source affect their decision when trying to get onto the property ladder?

A major issue caused by fracking, that could affect many first-time property buyers, is losing out on open space, reduced property value and loss of enjoyment of their own homes. This may include issues such as not being able to sit out in the garden, and not being able to open windows and doors in the summer. Despite bans on fracking being introduced in a number of countries, the UK government is keen to develop fracking as a means of low cost energy. However it also has the potential to bring misery to local residents and reduce their quality of life due to noise, ground instability and air pollution.

In recent news residents were ‘dismayed’ after judges upheld a decision to approve the Cuadrilla shale gas operation in Fylde.

The case dated to 2017. The Preston New Road Action Group and Gayzer Frackman, had applied for a judicial review of the government’s decision to approve Cuadrilla fracking for shale gas in Fylde. But Mr. Justice Dove had dismissed the case, despite the county council rejecting permission in 2015.

Cuadrilla welcomed the judge’s decision, calling it great news for local businesses. Francis Egan, the CEO of Cuadrilla, said: “We are very pleased that the planning inspector’s recommendation and the secretary of state’s decision to grant planning consent has been upheld by the high court. We respected the democratic right of those opposed to this consent to challenge the secretary of state’s decision.”

Preston New Road Action Group said it would take legal advice on its options and vowed not to give up. Claire Stephenson, a member of the group, said: “Justice and democracy have not been observed in Lancashire. We are truly dismayed at this decision.”

This case encourages present and future home-owners, to ensure that they choose the location of their property carefully, and ensure that the fracking site does not encroach over to their property, whether that be in the form of air and noise pollution or a depreciation of value in their property.

Many home-owners could risk damaging their property by living next to a fracking site, such as damage to their home from a fracking induced earthquake, or an accident where a bulldozer runs over a shed or property fence.

If you are at risk of this, Curtis Law Solicitors advise home-owners to check their home insurance to ensure that it covers the costs of accidental damage and damage due to fracking.